The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in collaboration with the Department of Labor (DOL), has announced the issuance of an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. This increase supplements the congressionally mandated 66,000 H-2B visas available annually, aiming to address the critical need for seasonal workers in various industries and reduce irregular migration.
The additional visas, identical to those provided in FY 2024, represent the maximum allowed under current congressional authority. This move continues the trend of supplemental visa allocations seen in previous fiscal years, including FY 2017 through FY 2024.
Industries such as hospitality, tourism, landscaping, and seafood processing rely heavily on the H-2B program to meet seasonal labor demands. The early announcement of these supplemental visas for FY 2025 allows American businesses to plan ahead and secure the necessary workforce to maintain operations and service levels.
DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas emphasized the economic benefits of the H-2B program, stating, “By maximizing the use of the H-2B visa program, we are helping to ensure the labor needs of American businesses are met, keeping prices down for consumers while strengthening worker protections and deterring irregular migration.”
The supplemental visas include an allocation of 20,000 for workers from specific countries, including Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, and Costa Rica. The remaining 44,716 visas are designated for returning workers who held H-2B status in the past three fiscal years. These visas will be distributed throughout the fiscal year, with a portion reserved for peak summer season demands.
The H-2B program requires employers to demonstrate a lack of available, willing, and qualified U.S. workers before hiring foreign labor. Employers must also ensure that hiring H-2B workers does not negatively impact the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers.
“DHS and DOL are committed to protecting H-2B workers from exploitation and abuse, and to ensuring, consistent with the law, that employers do not refuse to hire or appropriately recruit U.S. workers who are able, willing, qualified, and available to perform the temporary work,” the press release of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Public Affairs reads.
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Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
